Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tacos Recipe

Let me tell you about the day my slow cooker transformed into a magician, conjuring the most tender, smoky pork tacos that made my taste buds do a happy dance. 🌮✨

I love the depth of flavors in my Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tacos. The combination of smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder creates a rich, aromatic profile.

Paired with tender pork ribs slow-cooked in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, these tacos offer a savory experience balanced by fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tacos Recipe Ingredients

• Pork Ribs: Protein-rich, flavorful, tender when slow-cooked.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth, enhances aroma, antioxidant properties.
• Ground Cumin: Earthy, warm spice; aids digestion.
• Garlic Powder: Boosts flavor, supports immunity.
• Onion: Adds sweetness, fiber, vitamins.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy, balances flavors, promotes digestion.
• Cilantro: Fresh, herbaceous, rich in antioxidants.
• Cotija Cheese: Salty, crumbly, calcium boosted.

Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tacos Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds pork ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

How to Make this Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tacos Recipe

1. Season the pork ribs with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder, ensuring they are evenly coated.

2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.

3. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a slow cooker and lay the seared ribs on top.

4. In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.

6. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker and shred the meat with two forks, discarding any bones and excess fat.

7. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable.

8. Fill each tortilla with a portion of the shredded pork.

9. Top the tacos with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and crumbled cotija cheese.

10. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top before eating.

Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tacos Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Skillet
2. Slow cooker
3. Mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Tongs
7. Forks (for shredding)
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Spoon or spatula (for mixing tomato paste mixture)
11. Microwave or another skillet (for warming tortillas)

FAQ

• Can I use boneless pork ribs for this recipe? Yes, boneless pork ribs work well, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
• How can I make the tacos spicier? Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder to the slow cooker for extra heat.
• Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar.
• Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can use the “Slow Cook” function, or pressure cook the ribs for 30 minutes and then use the “Saute” function to reduce the sauce.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat the pork in the slow cooker on low, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Are there any vegan alternatives for the toppings? Yes, use avocado, salsa, or vegan cheese as alternatives to cotija cheese.
• Do the corn tortillas need to be warmed before serving? Warming the tortillas enhances their flavor and makes them more pliable. Heat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Slow Cooker Pork Rib Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the pork ribs, you can use boneless pork shoulder as an alternative.
• Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika combined with a dash of liquid smoke can be used.
• In place of apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese makes a good substitute due to its similar texture and flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade for Flavor For even deeper flavor, consider marinating the ribs with the spices overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, enhancing its flavor.

2. Searing Technique When searing the ribs, ensure the pan is hot before adding the meat. This helps create a beautiful crust that locks in juices and improves the overall taste of the ribs.

3. Layering in Slow Cooker Place half of the sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the ribs, and top with the remaining onions before pouring in the liquid. This helps to evenly distribute flavor and moisture during cooking.

4. Natural Release If time permits, let the slow cooker do a natural release after cooking (especially if using a pressure cooker). This can make the meat even more tender and juicy.

5. Add Extras with Toppings Customize your tacos by adding some fresh pico de gallo or avocado slices for a fresh and creamy contrast. A drizzle of hot sauce can also add an extra kick for spice lovers.